New Issue: Domesticated Animals (Norway)

Norway released a new issue on 4th October. Most of my reviews are about stamps from Great Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, but I will occasionally look at other countries' stamps - especially when I like them! This issue is about domesticated animals and there are two stamps. One shows a lamb and the other a goat kid. The Posten website states that these are the Norwegian White Sheep (Norsk Kvit Sau) and the Norwegian Dairy Goat (Norsk Melkegeit). It also explains why these animals are so important to Norway: "The Norwegian White Sheep is the most common sheep breed in Norway and is a cross between several breeds. Breeding is managed by the Norwegian Association of Sheep and Goat Farmers, which also freezes sperm for long-term storage. The breed is valued for its favourable production traits and is known for its fertility, rapid growth, and meat quality. The wool is typically fine and crossbred with no medullated fibers, making it ideal for knitting. The Norwegian Dairy Goat was domesticated in prehistoric times and is the most widespread goat breed in Norway. It is developed through collaborative efforts with early local goat breeds and, to some extent, foreign breeds. Dairy goats can vary significantly in appearance. On average, a dairy goat produces 700 litres of milk annually."

Design Quality - This is a great design which is simple yet contemporary. It puts the animal in the centre. The animals look super realistic, but also adorable. The backgrounds are simple and soft, so all the attention goes to the animals’ faces. Cecilie Sørgård is the illustrator and she has created these beautiful pictures that almost look like photographs. I also think the colours match the animals quite well and the light makes the animals look alive and friendly. The text doesn't does't get in the way of the pictures and basically these are really good to look at. 9/10

Theme and subject choice - I think it's a very good subject choice. Both of them are common Norwegian farm animals, and also very important to Norwegian agriculture. Animals are normally a very good subject for stamp issues and these are no exception. 8/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - I originally game these a 0, but I've read a bit more about them and on reflection these are very important animals to the country's farming culture and its history. I also discovered this is part of an ongoing series - here are the stamps from 2021 and these are from 2023. 5/10 Innovation and Creativity - As I've already said, this is fantastic creative artwork and I think it works far better than photography could. 10/10 Collectability - There are thematic collectors who love farm animals specifically or animals generally. Scandinavian stamps are often very beautiful and collectors appreciate them. On the negative side I think some collectors have a healthy suspicion of thematics, although I think in this case Posten (Norway Post) is just celebrating two common farm animals. 8/10 Personal appeal - I really like these. I think they are fantastic. I love the artwork, and think they're wonderfully designed. It's true I like cute animals anyway, but these are really nicely done. I also love that there are only two stamps in the set and that they're really affordable (take note, Royal Mail). 10/10 Overall score: 50/60